Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory

The Port of Seattle is a member of the Puget Sound Maritime Air Forum, a voluntary association of private and public maritime organizations, ports, air agencies, environmental and public health advocacy groups and other parties with operational or regulatory responsibilities related to the maritime industry. With funding from the Maritime Air Forum partners, the 2011 Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory (2011 EI) was published in October, 2012.

The 2011 EI is the second Puget Sound Maritime Air Emissions Inventory. It updates the 2005 baseline inventory. It estimates emissions of greenhouse gases, diesel particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and a number of other pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds. The inventory focuses on pollutants related to ships, harbor vessels, cargo-handling equipment, rail, heavy-duty trucks and other fleet vehicles associated with maritime activities.

2011 Inventory Results

Maritime-related air pollution in the Puget Sound region has decreased – as much as 40 percent, depending on the type – since 2005. The Port of Seattle’s air emissions of various pollutants decreased by five to eight percent, depending on the pollutant. Find the full report here.

Much of the progress in reducing emissions is due to significant voluntary investments in cleaner technology, cleaner fuels and more efficient methods of operation. The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy along with mandatory engine and fuel standards are helping to further reduce emissions in the Puget Sound airshed.

Results from the 2011 EI will help guide and focus future emissions reduction efforts.

Emissions reductions from the Portof Seattle's maritime-related sources in the Puget Sound airshed since 2005 are shown in the table below.